Khalid Jamil: I've never seen a player like Lalengmawia

The Highlanders' interim coach spoke on the back of his side's emphatic victory over mighty Mumbai City FC.

NorthEast United extended their winning streak to three games after defeating Indian Super League table-toppers Mumbai City FC. This was the Islanders' second defeat of the season and both of them came against the Highlanders. NorthEast United were quick to get off the mark with a goal from new signing Deshorn Brown in the sixth minute. The Jamaican stunned the Islanders scoring once again within the next five minutes to double his side's lead. Mumbai City managed to get one back in the 85th minute, but it was too late as NorthEast United managed to hold on to their lead. Interim coach Khalid Jamil talked to the media after his team’s ecstatic win.

Message to the players

There has been a rise in form of the Highlanders after Khalid Jamil took charge following Gerard Nus' dismissal. When asked about his message to the players, the coach replied, “It is because of the players working very hard. I just tell them to play their normal game.”

Takeaways from the game

The former Mohun Bagan head coach also shared his thoughts on the game saying, “We got the two early goals and then kept the ball very well. We finished the first half leading 2-0. They also played good. They have quality players who also tried, but we worked hard and we got what we wanted," quoted Khalid Jamil.

Holding on to the lead

Further, the Highlanders’ coach was questioned about how his side were inspired to hold onto their lead to pick up the three points. Khalid Jamil stated, “We just told to make it simple; play a simple game. We have the experienced Subhasish (Roy Chowdhury) and even Mashoor (Shereef) who did a good job along with Benjamin (Lambot). Nim (Dorjee Tamang) and (Provat) Lakra specially, they are doing a good job. They worked very hard and did a great job. (Federico) Gallego, (Luis) Machado they all were supporting and gave a good supply to the striker. Brown also did a good job. Chhara (Rochharzela), Suhair (VP) also wonderful. Speaking of the bench, everybody worked very hard.”

High praise for Lalengmawia

NorthEast United are surely the underdogs this season and one player in particular has turned the attention of many with his ecstatic performances from the middle of the park. Lalengmawia. Earlier, he had made the headlines having become the youngest captain in the history of the league during Gerard Nus' time.

Speaking of his performance on the night against Islanders, Khalid Jamil said, "Lalengmawia, if I tell you frankly, is one of the best midfielders in India. I don’t have to tell him. I never tell him to do this or that. He always plays with full energy and the same rhythm. Even in my playing career, I have never seen a player like him. He is, I think, one of the best players.”